Herald Journal, Dec. 5, 2005

Pair ready to tackle area’s fussy felines and pretty pups

Deb Pearson and Candy Olson are giving local dogs a reason to wag their tails.

Pearson and Olson opened their pet grooming business, Four Your Paws Only, Nov. 15. The business is on Highway 12 in Howard Lake, next to the drug store.

The groomers are on hand to help precious pooches and finicky felines look their best by offering a variety of services including nail trimming, baths, and other grooming essentials.

“We are here for the community’s needs and wants,” Olson said.

Four Your Paws Only offers a place close to home where people can bring their pets for grooming. Pearson and Olson also find that senior citizens are appreciative of the parking lot and entrance available in the back of the store, which offers easy access, without having to get on the highway.

People who work in the city can also drop off their dogs in the morning and pick them up at night or arrange for a neighbor to pick them up, which can be more convenient.

“What we’ve heard so far is ‘We’re glad you’re here,’” Pearson said.

Many locals had a chance to check out the business during its grand opening Nov. 19, and enjoyed the free treats. As for the pet owners, they appreciated the gift certificate giveaway and freshly cleaned pets.

“We did a lot of dogs that day,” Olson said.

And no dogs are off-limits, according to Olson, who feels comfortable with all dogs. She recalled one lady who brought in a dog that was described as “bad,” but Olson had no problems and would gladly groom the dog again.

“Small ponies” are not permitted however, as the team found out when Pearson booked a 169-pound Great Dane, who did not fit into the shop’s tub.

Four Your Paws Only also carries an assortment of pet products including collars, treats, leashes, pet toys, and scratching posts for cats. Special requests for items not in stock, such as kennels and pet doors, can also be accommodated.

“We can order just about anything, we just don’t have the space to store the big stuff,” Pearson said.

Pearson and Olson have both been in the business for years, and finally decided this summer to open their own store.

Pearson managed a grooming business in Litchfield for two years. Olson, who lives in St. Louis Park, has been grooming pets for 10 years in the cities.

“We just have a love for pets,” Olson said, who does most of the grooming in their new store.

Once they decided to start their own business, Howard Lake seemed like a great place.

“I remember making many stops through here as a kid. It’s such a nice, small town, and the people are so friendly,” Olson said. It is also perfectly situated in between their homes.

Depending on their business flow, Olson and Pearson are hoping to add another part-time groomer in the future.

Four Your Paws Only is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early appointments may be made by request, and walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call (320) 543-3387.